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@article{190452,
        author = {DR. NIRUPA GADAPA},
        title = {Investigation of Degradation Pathways of Paracetamol in Wastewater and Its Ecotoxicological Effects},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {2007-2014},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190452},
        abstract = {The widespread consumption of pharmaceutical compounds has led to their continuous introduction into aquatic environments, raising concerns regarding environmental safety and ecological health. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most extensively used analgesic and antipyretic drugs worldwide due to its effectiveness, low cost, and over-the-counter availability. Despite its relatively high biodegradability compared to other pharmaceuticals, paracetamol is frequently detected in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents, effluents, and surface waters. This is primarily due to its massive consumption, incomplete removal during conventional wastewater treatment, and the formation of transformation products during degradation processes. This paper investigates the major degradation pathways of paracetamol in wastewater systems, including biological degradation, photolytic transformation, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Furthermore, the ecotoxicological effects of paracetamol and its degradation products on aquatic organisms such as algae, invertebrates, and fish are critically evaluated. Evidence indicates that while paracetamol itself exhibits moderate toxicity, some transformation products particularly quinone-type intermediates may pose higher ecological risks. Understanding these degradation mechanisms and associated toxicological impacts is essential for improving wastewater treatment strategies and ensuring environmental protection.},
        keywords = {Paracetamol, acetaminophen, wastewater treatment, degradation pathways, transformation products, ecotoxicology},
        month = {January},
        }